Award-winning beaches must display sufficient information to the beach user so that they can make an informed choice about bathing. Our awarded beaches include both designated bathing water sites and beaches which are non-designated. Both types must ensure that information on water quality is provided to the public.

To meet the requirements of the Beach Award, the following criteria relating to water quality must be met.

Major criteria

Information about water quality testing and the classification must be displayed, according to the bathing water designation status of the beach.

If a designated bathing water site, the water quality must be 'sufficient' or above, under the revised Bathing Water Directive (2007) classification standards.

If a designated bathing water site with poor water quality, SEPA live signage must be in place. If no live signage is present then the beach is not eligible for an award.

If not a designated bathing water site, signage must be in place to inform beach users that water quality monitoring is not in place.

The Beach Operator must inform the public of pollution or potential dangers by the posting of information at the information board and through the media if appropriate.

Minor criteria

The Beach Operator must highlight waste water discharge points and riverine inputs within one mile of the beach/water to the public.

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